I have both 26 & 43 also 17 19X & 42. The Glock 26 is the winner out of what I have & if I had to choose only one to keep 26 by a landslide. Conceal carry & home defense it is the total package.
I have the Glock 43X and it's a great gun, a little snappy but I'm very disappointed that it only holds 10 rounds. I know you can get the after market 15 round magazines but I'd rather have Glock magazines! I wish I would have done my homework and got something else especially when I have multiple 17 round magazines and 33 round magazines for Glock
I do too but my family thinks I'm paranoid. They'll say things like not everyone wants to hurt you! I think it's better to have it and not need it than vice versa but idk anymore. They keep theirs in the center console and leave it when they get out of the vehicle. which I find kinda weird if you consider yourself armed doing that
I know this is 5 years old, but I just stumbled across it. This is an outstanding, objective comparison of 2 fine glock pistols, and I agree with the conclusions. Like the presenter, I own both. I have a gen 3 G26 (which I've owned almost since glock started making them) and a G43X. One of the best things I ever did was make myself learn and get used to shooting the G26 with the flush factory 10 round mag. 10 rounds is more than adequate for 99.9% of self defense situations. (So say the people who study these things.) After seeing this, I took both my pistols to the range and fired 100 rounds of Federal 124 grain FMJ and 25 rounds of Federal 124 grain 'HST' JHP rounds from each gun in a side by side comparison using factory flush magazines from 10 yards. I have average sized hands. While I enjoyed shooting both guns, I was far more accurate with the G26 in both slow and rapid fire. As a side note, I have Glock factory steel sights in the "everybody thinks they're crap but I like 'em" variety on my G26. I have Ameriglo night sights with the big orange overlayed dot up front on the 43X. I don't think 2.5 ouces of weight and .18 inches difference in width is a noticeable difference in concealed carry and I can guaratee that the 26 is easier to conceal. I absolutely LOVE the G43X. But I'm carrying my G26.
Have carried a Gen3 G26 for a long time, my personal favorite. It's capability to use different capacity mags far outweighs the thicker grip. As I have small hands, swapping out the stock mag release with extended, solved that issue. My standard carry mag is the 15 rnd G19 with grip adapter. I CC this firearm with no worries of printing. I simply wear an unbuttoned shirt, always aware of how I stoop down to pick something up. (bend the knees, lowering the upper body straight down) I want to purchase the G43x to start carrying on light days. Just to share, what sold me on Glocks from the beginning, the first field/torture test this pistol was put through. Never really sought to carry/own anything else. For me, I would trust my life with it hands down. Thank you for this outstanding review and your knowledge of this firearm. Appreciated...
@@sifer5913you can also buy a g27 which is identical to the g26 but it is a .40 and you can buy the 9mm conversion kit so you can switch back and forth from .40 to 9mm. You can not get a conversion kit for the g26 to make it a g27. So if you ask me the g27 is actually better then the g26. Also all the magazines are interchangeable.
@@brabbit7703isn't the 27 a 40 caliber? If it is why go with that when you can get the 26 and a pcc in 9mm? Then all you have to do is spend money on 9mm Mags and ammo. Just seems more cost effective to me that way
I have a love affair with the G26. I break up with for a few days, but I always find myself going back. She just has so many options. I like options... 😉👉💥
The G 26 has it all over the 43X. The ability to use larger 9mm mags is a major advantage. I also feel that if you want to conceal a G 19 sized grip you may as well get a G19. To me the 43 is better for deep concealment.
There's a big difference between concealing the 43X and the 19 (I have both). And for appendix carry, the 43X wins hands-down. The real? Is the 26 (which I also have). That is one versatile little beast. Carrying appendix or OWB, the 43X still wins, but carrying IWB in other formats, the 26 is easier. Plus, the ability to carry a 19 or 17 back up mag with sleeves, is powerful. In other words, you really need to have all of them!!!
People that make these arguments never factor that some people are uncomfortable concealing thicker handguns and would rather go with a 48 than a 19 despite them being the same size otherwise.
I own a 19 Gen 4 and the 19x. This video helped me go with the 26 gen 5 for the wife's birthday. Knowing she can use my mags and carry the same ammo was the deciding factor.
The 43X is a winner for me. I’m used to carrying the 19 - and still will - but the 43X is SO comfortable to carry IWB I basically don’t feel it. Fully loaded, it’s 9+ oz lighter than the 19 but shoots very similar. Hard to beat the feel in hand. Thanks for the video!
Just took my first 100 rounds in my g43x, it’s perfect for me as I traded up from a g43. Larger hands, larger man, appendix carry makes this a great choice for summer carry
Got the 26 a while ago with the mindset of "it can fill the role of concealed, while having the capability of full size if needed" However, after lessons learned, I wish I had just gotten a seperate G19, and G43. If I can conceal a 26, I can conceal a 19. However, with a tucked in shirt, a 26 is a pain to conceal, where thickness is more relevant than grip length. Especially now that the market for G43/X has caught up, it makes for a slim, light, and capable carry piece. G19 when I can, G43 when I can't.
Honestly, your videos amaze me at how in depth and thorough they are. Another outstanding one. For me, I'll switch off between my 43 and 26. All I need for CC.
Ya but those aren't as prevalent as all the 9mm double stack glock mags floating around... you could buy like what 3-5 glock mags depending the brand for the cost of this new mag, plus aren't they having trouble keeping up on supply?
@@BOB-wx3fq Yeah I was looking for one, they're about $40 (which is whatever I only want 1 or 2) but they're out of stock. Of course, I don't feel under armed with the 10 +1. I carry the extra mag in the car, and to be honest the chances of ever having to use it are small considering I don't go out that often, little less have to use it in a shoot out. Fleeing will always be my first option. It really is a back against the wall gun for me.
Wonder if they’ll work their magic on Glocks regular magazines. Once you get rid of that polymer outer housing on the mags I’m sure you can get a flush fit 13 or so out of the 26.
Keep in mind that this review is a little bit outdated since there are now flush fit 15 round double stack mags available for the G43X through Shield Arms. That makes a huge difference when it comes to the concealment to capacity balance.
Did you get it? I've had my 26 for about 2 months now and I absolutely love it, I was shooting 4 inch groups almost instantly. And being thicker as a double stack it honestly shoots softer than a single stack...feels almost like shooting a g19
I normally carry the G43 with the Vickers +2 floorplates, but my G26 Gen3 has been trusty for over a decade. Lots of 17 and 33 round mags lying around for my other Glocks already. These new 1.5 stack 43X and 48 are great if you've never owned a Glock, but for the rest of us a G26, as part of dozens of Glocks I own, is really unbeatable. Thanks for another great video Sootch!
Andrew Lines I suppose the 43X is technically more concealable, but it really isn’t all that different dimensionally except for width. I carried the 26 for years before the 43.
Maybe that is the deal. I chose this as my first ever Glock purchase. I loved it. Came on RU-vid to learn more about it and see all of my favorite RU-vidrs that always said you cant go wrong with a Glock sort of busting on the 43X I just bought, LOL, so far it has been great, but like you say I have never owned or shot any other Glock. It has really impressed me.
@@axle1717 better is subjective. I like the stock 26 if it's for carry. If it's at your house, keep a 17 mag in it. You can make it bigger. Try shrinking your 19 to make it more concealable.
Great video! I like Glock’s new offering and think the pistol has its place. I mostly carry Glocks (G19 and G26) depending on what I’m wearing. The dimension of pistols that I find most difficult to conceal is the grip. Unless I have this wrong, the grip of the 43x is the same dimension as that of the Glock 19 making the grip length of the 43X longer than that of a G26. The reduced slide length is not a selling point for me either. The marginal difference in width of the pistol is the feature I find most appealing. I love having options but will stick with G26/G19 at this point.
I’ve got a 19x and just picked up a Gen 5 26 with front serrations. Love it. I have the medium beaver tail grip installed on both. I’ve got larger hands.
The G26 is arguably the most versatile Glock they sell. Being able to conceal just as good as a modern p365 while shutting it down with capacity is why I settled on it. I run it for CCW and a decked out mk25 for HD.
I'm a new gun owner and have the g45 9mm. I use that as my edc for now but have been wanting to get a new one for better concealment. These have been the ones I've gone back and forth with and it's so difficult to choose but I'm leaning towards the 26
@@jdmb03 i have both, my opinion is the 26 is like twice as fat as the 43x. Prints more for me. I can carry a g 22 as well as i can a g26. they are the same width. My body hides the grip. Not the fatness. plus with the g43x's 15 round flush mags. You cannot beat it. Nothing comes close.
I came from my G43 to my G26 Gen5 and I'll stick to my G26 all day every day. My new fav EDC with +2 base. And I carry a G17 mag as spare, so I'm golden there.
The G26 has been rockn IWB for longer than some gun companies have been in business. I love the G26 & G27; they are both excellent concealment powerhouses.
The single stacks are appealing, but like many have mentioned, I prefer the commonality with my other double stack Glock 9mm’s. Great video as usual sir! Stay groovy!😎✌️
I carried the G26 for a few years. After verifying the G43x with 300+ rounds, I started carrying it. After two weeks, I cannot imagine going back to the G26. If I want to carry a double stack, I can still carry the G19, which feels no different than a G26 with an extension. Thank you for your perspective and your videos!
One year from the date of this video: I just came from the range today where I compared handguns to my G19 to choose a more concealable small gun with a larger round count than my Shield. The 26 was on my short list. I put the G26, the Hellcat, and the P365 through a combined 150 rounds. None of them were as accurate and controllable as the G19, but out of the 3 the P365 was the better gun for my hands. I wear an XL sized glove. The 26 was less than comfortable even with a Pierce extension on it. Overall length of the 26 was almost as long as my 19, but was top heavy and unbalanced. I tried to like it, but it doesn't compare to my G19. Little differences add up to quite a bit, and I couldn't get used to the imbalance of the gun in my hand. After my range session, I explored the gun counter. Stopping at the Glock section, I picked up the G43X. Instant connection to that gun. Where the first 3 at the range failed to sway me from my G19, the G43X fit just right. What sold me is finding out that the aftermarket supplies a 15 round magazine for the 43X. The capacity of my G19 with a thinner, lighter, more concealable gun that already had the Ameriglo sights on it from the factory. That is one upgrade my G19 has that was a must. Already included. I purchased the G43X today, and preordered a 15 round magazine to go with it. There's simply no replacement to getting out there and getting your hands on these guns to find the right fit for you. Don't underestimate that option.
BTW, Sootch00, I appreciate that you comment on the grip purchase of the firearms you review. So many others don't do that, and it drives me nuts. Knowing whether a gun might or might not feel good in my hand (though any gun feels better than none at all) is an important detail and one that a surprising amount of reviews omit.
Great review and a much needed one to compare these two pistols sootch00. I personally will continue to love and favor the 26 for its options, and compatibility to various magazines.
thgreatandini that’s why I just bought a glock 43X todas...I was wondering myself about g19 or g26, but once I put the g43X into my pants I realized it was the best choice. In addition to this, it fits much better in my hands than the g26.
Red Pill Vegan, I own several blue label Glocks with factory night sights, or Ameriglo night sights, that were all purchased brand new. I just bought a brand new 43X, from Buds, 2 weeks ago but because of Christmas and New Years Day, it won’t arrive until tomorrow, on the 2nd of January. I had already purchased 2 brand new blue label Glocks in 2019, so as a result, I couldn’t really buy any more until today. But Buds Gun Shop, had the 43X, for the same amount or maybe even a tad less, than how much my blue label Glocks normally cost with factory night sights. After my 43X comes in tomorrow, I will really be looking forward to seeing how I like a single stack Glock. It won’t replace my every day conceal and carry Glock but, I may have my wife eventually carry it if she likes it. I actually bought the 43X, with her in mind. Since she is a lady, and she has really small hands, all of my double stack firearms feel slightly to big for her, in her hands. So as a result, I bought this Glock, for her to check out and try. If she doesn’t like it, or if it still doesn’t feel right because it too, is to big in her hands, then I’ll go to plan B and try and find her something else. If that happens, in that case, I will either keeping the 43X, for myself. Or, I’ll see if it fits in my daughters hands any better? If it does, then I’ll simply have her use it for her eventual conceal and carry gun after she turns 21 in a few years. But until then, I’ll at the very least, have her continuously be getting better by practicing and working on fundamentals, while she is at the range. With the Glock 26, I am hoping to get 1 sometime this year. When I do eventually buy 1, I will use it as 1 of my back up firearms that I keep on my person at all times. I’m thinking that I will carry it on my left ankle though. That way, I don’t have a lot of additional and unnecessary things around my waste that I need to carry at that location on my body. The 1 thing that I do love about theGlock 26 though, is the interchangeable magazines that it will accept from all of my other 9x19mm double stack magazines.
G26 is a classic. It can run all 17,19 mags, gen 5 barrels and both 24 and 33 round extended mags. Its the most versatile Glock created. The baby Glock is an all time great
Awesome video quality and review as always sootch00! Been watching your videos for about 9 years now. All the way back to the "why I own a gun" series! :)
I really like the standard 43 (no X) for discrete carry. The 26 doesn’t fit my hand well in the sense that I can’t get a good grip on the 26 (grooves don’t match my fingers well at all). I had a Gen3 26 and sold it. The Glock 17 gen4 is perfect for me, and I actually carry that in the colder months or whenever I can get away with it. The 43 works great for me when I can’t get the 17 for carrying. And the 43 grip being just long enough over the 26 plus the lack of finger grooves sold it for me. Thinner also makes the bigger issue of concealability. I have no desire for the 43X in the end. :-)
Shorter grip, magazine compatibility with other Glocks, higher round capacity with +2 extension and minimal difference in thickness, the G26 is a no brainer. Seems to me the G43X is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.
Had a G26 Gen 4. Sold it. Years later, bought a used G26 Gen 3 and ended up trading it. Had the 42, 43, and 43X. Sold them all and bought another G26. Never selling or trading it again. Love that I can use my G17 and G19 mags in it and also the 33rd mag. Also the G26 just shoots softer than the slimline Glocks. There are so many better options out there now especially all the new micro 9s but I chose to stay with Glock because of it's track record and reliability and simplicity.
I have always liked the the 26. I'm a believer in sub compacts. They make it so much easier to carry (in my opinion). That being said, I don't understand why Glock didn't make the gen 5 with an accessory rail. All my carries have some sort of light attached to them. I know there are lights out there for the glock trigger guard, but it would make me feel better if there was rail. Wish Glock would have given their customers that option. Maybe next gen.
The G27 is still the best CCW option for most people who are serious about it. The diversity of calibers it can fire with a simple barrel swap, diversity of magazines, and the higher initial capacity options make it a smart choice. I'm able to pocket carry it just fine even with the +2 base plate (+1 with Sig and 40). When you can carry something with more energy, and are accurate with it, in the same weight and size category, then you should. Don't be "stuck" in the 9mm rut if you don't have to be. 40 is only a buck more a box. I tend to carry my Keltec P40 more than my G27, just because it's thinner and lighter with the same capacity as I don't mind the DAO trigger having carried a S&W 29 for years and years before I moved to semi-autos.
I feel you, I had a g27. I think there is some irony in saying it is the best serious CCW option, and then saying most of the time you leave it behind for a slimmer firearm. Preference is a big factor and the best is whatever you actually carry with you
Have a 27, shoot .40 ok but damn is it snappy. Put a conversion barrel in it and it’s a pussycat in 9mm. After about a 1000 rounds I’m convinced it’s as reliable as a native 26. If we have another shortage like in 2012 and .40 is all I can find, so be it, but I’m perfectly happy “stuck in the 9mm rut”. Matthew, could a wider pair of pants and a good belt help?
Very interesting. Thx for the comparison. I find it kinda funny that people say anything about their pinky . Mine wraps under the grip perfectly. Not an issue at all. (Reference to g26) The g26 is my most accurate handgun. I can’t explain it but it just is .. I have not shot a G43X yet .
FM57 57 it is and the new ones are flawless. Mine has 2300rds through it but I think the fact that you can put a g17 mag in a g26 really is awesome. I don’t think Glock will ever get as small as the p365 which is ok because it is a really small gun (maybe a little too small and I have small hands). Non the less I would carry a g26 or a p365....maybe a g33.
@Vin Vin I've only got bout 350 thru mine so far so good no scratches on the back of the mags no spring hook visible in mag well I do have pretty nasty striker drag marks hopefully the striker tip won't break off
Own a 26, a 43, a 19 and a 45. I carry a Sig P365 most of the time. My P365 has never failed in well over 1,000 rounds. Primer drag, yes. My 43 and displays primer drag, though. There is NO beating the size of P365. Glock 26 capacity (or more with the 12rd mag) and smaller than the Glock 43. Pretty tough to beat if you ask me (based on MY success with MY P365).
I love my 43x. Its my EDC and no one ever notices im carrying under my shirt hip carry IWB. I think if i had a g26 it would bulge out too much on my hip making it more noticable. I would never appendix carry.
I have only heard good things about these other than the fact you will have to replace your mag release to a metal one so the mags don't destroy your OEM mag release. But I love the idea of 15 rounds in a single stack pistol. If you want full details of the mags check out TFB TV James beat the dog shit out of them. I wanted to keep this comment clean but he seriously went after those mags to test durability. He slides them on the ground and drops them while fully loaded. It's worth a look if you're thinking about trying them out.
Great presentation! I like the way you explain the differences yet continue to say the one great you talk about is whatever you feel comfortable with, from life experience, there should be said about that than which gun or caliber is the best. We all know we shot much better with our favorite gun than all the rest. Thank you for your great opinion.
Is this even a real question? Glock 26 all the way. The thickness is hardly any more noticeable then a thinner G43, X, Shield ect. If Sig gets their stuff together, P365 is might be the only other choice. I love my G26
I almost always carry my G19 except when I go to the gym in which case I wear a belly band to conceal my G43. Its important to have that thin profile while running, stretching and getting up and down with benches. This G43X will be worth checking out for me as a trade as grip length doesnt seem to matter for me at the gym, just the thickness. I like the idea of 4 extra rounds in the gun
Honestly almost every con to the 43x you brought up can be fixed by aftermarket products. ( I understand this video was 4 years ago at the time of my comment) shield arms makes a 15 round magazine and mag release for the 43x, hogue makes a slip on grip for it that makes the feel 1000000 times better
I bought the G43x recently. I cleaned and lubed it, then took it to the gun club. It shot flawlessly after 75 rounds. I like the slim gun and the full grip. This is my new winter carry gun. I plan on carrying an extra mag to make 20 rounds of self defense availability.
The grip is what usually prints the most not the width of the gun. Try them both but the 26 is very concealable & I even pocket carry mine. I have the 43 as well as the 42 but 26 is always with me.
Road Dog there is no way your pocket carrying a 26 without either showing the world you have a pistol in your pocket or your 300pds/ wear two sizes too big clothes. The 26 is a 2•4 with a barrel.
I have had a Gen 4 G26 for several years and really like it. I added extensions to all my mags to get my pinky on the grip and I shoot is as well as I do my G19, which most folks don't believe, but it is true. I also have a G43 and I don't shoot is as accurately as my G26. But I have found myself carrying it more, just because it is easier for me to conceal. Don't get me wrong, I have concealed carried a G19 for 26 years, but I have to dress for the G19. I feel the same for the G26. But I can conceal the G43 under clothes I can't conceal the G26 under. So, I am now planning on getting the G48 and some of the Shield Arms mags. If I didn't already have the G43, I would get the G43X, but since I have the G43, I can put its slide on the G48 frame if I want the shorter barrel and have a G43X or I can see if the extra length of the G48 makes concealing it more difficult for me. I will have lots of options with that combo.
I've been carrying a G26 for over 10 years and a G43 for the past 3 years. G26 is a chunker but the biggest advantage is definitely the mag compatibility with larger 9mm Glocks.
Very professional and knowledgeable on the 2 handguns. My friends son whom is a prison guard in San Diego has the G 43 and it does feel "more comfortable" at the 4 o'clock on my side, that I could feel instantly.I do have my CCW for my Glock 26 with the pinky extension which makes a huge difference and after reading so many comments, I'll stick with my G 26 for now and thank God for our 2A rights. Thank you for video tutorial, you cannot get a better video on the two handguns elsewhere.
